​AbstractA new mode of transportation using tethered gliders on a zipline guideway is able to attain fuel economies estimated at 5X that of intercity rail and airlines, which are reported as the most efficient current modes of transit. The primary factors leading to this high fuel economy reside in directly powering tethered-glider vehicles with grid electricity. This paper presents these fuel economy estimates based on documented airline fuel economies and a conversion equation.

ConclusionsLand-based, tethered-glider passenger aircraft are able to achieve efficiencies considerably greater than powered aircraft when propulsion is powered by grid electricity. This benefit is a direct result of reducing vehicle/fuel weight and increasing efficiency of electrical power production as compared to internal combustion engines. In a transportation environment where the most-common modes of transportation have a relatively narrow range of fuel economies from 38 to 55 passenger-miles / GGE; these modifications provide an alternative with a fuel economy in excess of 150 passenger miles / GGE.The Terreplane Transportation System provides a means to achieve tethered glider service for both passenger and parcel service through use of linear motors pulling the glider vehicles along a zipline-type guideway. Logistical advantages associated with the easy-to-route and inexpensive guideway system, potentially, further extend the fuel economy to in excess of 250 passenger-miles/GGE.

This paper is under peer review for publication. When accepted, the attached pdf version will be replaced with a reference to that paper.